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Mongolia is a country of contrasts. Visitors to Mongolia will encounter everything from deserts to snowy mountaintops to a vibrant cultural life. A prime time for tourism is summer, when the Naadam festival is held. During Naadam, the ancient arts of horse racing, Mongolian wrestling and archery are honored in numerous celebrations around the country. Winters are extremely cold in Mongolia, with temperatures reaching minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Tourism slows down but doesn’t stop during this time.

Outdoor Activities

Visitors to Mongolia have a variety of outdoor activities to choose from. Horse and camel treks around the Lake Khovsgol area are a great way to not only see the countryside, but also to reach minority groups that live in isolation. Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain offers a number of climbing and hiking routes, as well as many opportunities for mountain biking. For summer visitors, the Kherlen River offers plenty of water activities, including canoeing, rafting and swimming.

Cultural Attractions

There are two major Mongolian art forms that visitors shouldn't miss. One is Khuumei, a form of traditional singing in which the performers use their voices to produce high-pitched whistles and nature-like sounds. The other must-see is a live performance of Tsuur music, which is created using a type of wooden pipe combined with vibration created from the performer's throat. Cultural centers, theaters and museums around the country offer live performances of both Khuumei and Tsuur at different times of the year.

Capital City

More than 45 percent of Mongolia's population lives in the capital city of Ulan Bator, also known as Ulaanbaatar. The city is home to impressive monasteries, including Gandan Monastery (gandan.mn). Established in 1835, the monastery's grounds hold a number of temples, as well as several universities and a sacred statue of lord Magjid Janraisig -- known as "the one who looks in every direction" -- which is covered on precious stones. Another spot worth visiting is the National Museum of Mongolia (nationalmuseum.mn), which has permanent collections highlighting traditional clothing and Shamanism. Make time also to walk the Sukhbaatar Square, a plaza surrounded by the Parliament, the National Theater and other important buildings.

Unusual

To see and do something out of the ordinary, seek accommodation at a ger or yurt camp. Yurts in camps are designed to look exactly like the ones used by Mongolian nomadic tribes. The camps are usually located far away from cities, in the Gobi dessert dunes or inside national parks, and offer a number of activities and tours. For example, Hoyor Zagal Camp (hoyorzagal.mn) is located in the Unegt Tsohio mountain and offers tours of the nearby Erdene Zuu Monastry and Shiree Tsagaan Nuur lake.

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About the Author

Tammy Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications including Woman's Day, Marie Claire, Adirondack Life and Self. She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.

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